The Kansas City Chiefs claimed their 14th win of the season defeating the Houston Texans 27-19 at GEHA Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs closed out their regular season home games undefeated. Also, with this win, the Chiefs are one win away from securing the AFC’s No. 1 seed and a first-round bye. In this win, both sides of the ball showed up and showed out contributing with key turnovers on defense and on offense capitalizing off Houston’s mistakes.
Even with Patrick Mahomes playing through an ankle injury, he still came through and delivered a gutsy performance leading the Chiefs to another win. Mahomes finished this game with 260 passing yards and a rushing touchdown, while Kareem Hunt and Xavier Worthy led the way in the air and on the ground offensively. Despite some struggles in the red zone, Kansas City ultimately proved too much for Houston.
First Half: Kansas City Chiefs Build Early Momentum
The Chiefs defense took the field first in this game and set the tone early for how the rest of the game would play out. Safety Jaden Hicks came through with a first quarter interception on C.J. Stroud during Houston’s opening drive. Kansas City’s offense capitalized on the turnover and went on an 11-play, 66-yard drive, which ended in a career-long 15-yard rushing touchdown by Mahomes. Harrison Butker’s extra point made it 7-0 midway through the first quarter.
Houston’s offense on their next series responded with a 33-yard field goal after a seven-play drive that stalled in the red zone. Kansas City’s next offensive possession ended in a three-and-out, giving Houston a chance to retake the lead. Stroud found Nico Collins for a 32-yard completion to end the first quarter. The Texans opened the second quarter with an 82-yard touchdown drive, capped by Dalton Schultz’s 10-yard reception, giving them a 10-7 lead.
However, Kansas City matched Houston’s lengthy drive with one of their own, which was capped off by a Hunt three-yard touchdown run. Houston’s next series was stalled out because of Trent McDuffie intercepting Stroud for the second time of the day. Kansas City once again was able to capitalize off the turnover and set themselves up for a 44-yard field goal, which Butker knocked in giving the Chiefs a 17-10 halftime lead.
Second Half: Houston Texans Pushes Back and Kansas City Responds
The Chiefs opened the third quarter going three and out, and the Texans took advantage and struck first in the quarter. They capitalized on a short field to score on a four-play drive which was capped off by a 30-yard touchdown pass to Tank Dell. Then a missed extra point kept the Chiefs ahead 17-16, but Dell’s injury on the play was a major blow for Houston. He left the game as their leading receiver. Kansas City’s next offensive drive stalled on fourth down, but their defense held firm and forced a quick three-and-out on Houston.
Kansas City’s offense finally woke up and took advantage of the defensive stop with a 10-play, 80-yard scoring drive. Xavier Worthy finished off the drive with an eight-yard touchdown catch which extended the lead to 24-16. On the drive, Worthy had himself four catches for 46 yards emerging as Mahomes’ go-to target in the second half. The Texans on their next possession managed to get into field goal range and knocked in a 38-yard field goal. Houston closed the gap to 24-19 early in the fourth quarter.
On the following series, Chris Jones did briefly leave the game after going down with a left calf injury but walked off under his own power. George Karlaftis stepped up in his absence and caused chaos for Houston’s offense, recording a key sack and keeping the Texans from gaining any kind of consistent offensive momentum.
Fourth Quarter: Kansas City Seals the Win
In the fourth quarter, Kansas City extended their lead with a 27-yard Butker field goal after a 14-play drive. The defense stepped up again and showcased their signature corner blitz which was delivered by Joshua Williams who got home and sacked Stroud for the second time the day.
With just over three minutes remaining, the Chiefs had the ball and Kareem Hunt delivered the final blow. A 20-yard run from him iced the game as he slid to keep the clock running. After some kneel-downs, the Chiefs improved to 14-1, maintaining their top seed in the AFC standings with a Christmas Day game looming for a chance to secure the No. 1 seed in the conference.
The Chiefs’ offense had themselves a day against Houston finishing with 375 total yards, led by Mahomes’ 260 passing yards and Worthy’s seven receptions for 65 yards. Hunt added 55 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Marquise “Hollywood” Brown in his debut as a Chief finished the day with five catches for 45 yards. Defensively, Kansas City recorded two interceptions, two sacks, nine tackles for loss, and seven pass breakups.
Final Thoughts
Kansas City just had one of its most balanced performances of the season against the Texans. It highlighted what they can look like when both sides of the ball are locked in and playing at their full potential. With Mahomes battling through an ankle injury, his off-scheduled playmaking did not miss a beat and was crucial in securing the win. The defense continued doing their thing forcing turnovers and creating pressure proved to be the difference.
With two games left in the regular season, the Chiefs are in prime position to claim the top seed in the AFC. Their ability to overcome adversity and execute in key moments is what set them apart from the rest of the league and will serve them well as they prepare for another deep playoff run.
